Physical Therapy
- $76,310 annual pay
- $36.69 per hour
- higher average annual pay than most other jobs in similar fields
- lowest 10% earned less than $53,620
- top 10% earned more than $107,920
- requires doctoral degree at least
- 39% growth rate
- usually award a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree
- a small number award a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) degree
- doctoral programs usually last three years
- MPT programs require 2 to 3 years of study
- most DPT MPT programs require a bachelors degree for admsion
- specific prerequisites, such as anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry are usually required
- programs often include courses in biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, and pharmacology
- students are also required to complete clinical roations
- residency programs can be completed after graduation
- residency programs last 9 months to 3 years
- qualities such as compassion, dexterity, detail oriented, interpersonal skills, and physical stamina
- all states require licensing to practice physical therapy
- requirements usually include passing the National Physical Therapy Examination or a similar state-administered exam
- physical therapists held around 198,600 jobs in 2010
- they typically work in private offices and clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes
- they spend most of their work hours on their feet
- some physical therapists are self employed meaning that they own or are partners in owning their practice
- 7% were self employed
- 37% worked in offices of health practitioners
- most worked full-time but 29% worked part-time
- the field is expected to grow 39% between 2010 and 2020
- 39% is much faster than the average of all other occupations